Tuesday, March 11, 2008

As a new board member, I have learned a lot about the current state of our school district. Many in our community care deeply about creating a positive experience for their children’s education. We have an opportunity to do one of two things: continue on our present course or forge a new path.

It is time to move forward and create a positive culture where teachers, administrators, parents, staff, citizens and students work together.

Each of us plays an important role in creating this positive culture. How we comport ourselves and treat others is the first step. Respect for all perspectives can build an atmosphere for creating consensus.

In order for our school district to move forward, we must be willing to make a commitment to each other that we will tackle the most difficult challenges in a manner that is respectful and professional. Elected officials are tasked with making difficult decisions. We have information from many sources that doesn’t always make its way to the public and this goes into the decision-making process.

Our school board is made up of five very different individuals who were elected by the citizens of Lebanon. They all are passionate and care deeply about the education of our children. I have enormous respect for all of them.

It is often difficult to build consensus when there are those who try to divide the board. I myself have been subjected to receiving letters of a threatening nature if I don’t vote a certain way. This is not good for the board or for our community. Negativity can lead us nowhere.

Let’s put down our weapon of words and leave a legacy in our community where we can disagree with each other but respect each other’s views as well.

If our leaders inspire our teachers, our teachers will inspire their students. A positive culture can breed inspiration. The boundaries of success are endless if we all work together and commit to creating a path to a positive educational environment for our children and our community.